Coach, Mentor, Role Model + Friend - By Coach Emma

In the last 15 years as a bike racer, there is one person that has without a doubt or any hesitation, had the most influence on me, my career, and my life.

I have been coached by Kristin Armstrong for almost nine years. Since I started racing for HotTubes Junior Development team at 16, through medaling at the Tokyo Olympics this past year at 24, she has helped me through it all. Even in that time, because of the distance, our crazy schedules, and just not finding the need to meet up in person, we saw each other only a handful of times in those nine years. With everything that I have been through, highs and lows of the sport, changing teams, a college degree, World Championships, COVID, Olympics, retirement etc… she has been through it all with me. Inevitably, that makes a relationship pretty darn strong!

When I learned about the Order of Ikkos medal, there was no question in my mind that I would present it to Krstin. I had a conversation with USAC and told them that I wanted it to go to Kristin and that it meant a lot to me to present to her, and they said “We will make that happen”.

The Order of Ikkos medal is given to every US Olympic and Paralympic medalist and symbolizes excellence in coaching and mentorship. The athlete can choose who to award their medal based on who has impacted their success the most. Each athlete on our Bronze medal team was given one, so we collectively gave three to our track coaches, Gary Sutton, Lindsay Golich, and Eric Lawson. I am so appreciative that I was able to share the one I was given with Kristin - the most selfless and patient teacher I know.

I was able to present this award to Kristin in Fayetteville, during the cyclocross World Championships. Not only did I get to see her and hug her for the first time in YEARS, I was able to personally thank her for the best years of my life so far. There was no better place for me to tie off this chapter of life than where it all began - a cyclocross race.

Even after I have made the decision to retire from professional cycling, Kristin and my relationship continues to grow. She continues to inspire me to help someone else be able to achieve their dreams of becoming an Olympian. I still call her when I have a big life decision to make, and I will always be so appreciative of her friendship and support. Although it will truly never feel like I have adequately thanked her for her time, I will always be looking to pay that back to the sport. That is one of the many reasons I am so excited to join the KX3 Lifestyle + Coaching family!

 Thanks for reading! Coach Emma

Interested in working with Emma? Check out her bio here!